The Punjab Home Department has officially suspended the process of validating and computerizing manual arms licenses across the province.
According to an official circular sent to all Divisional Commissioners and the Additional Secretary (Judicial), the government reviewed the existing rules and procedures before deciding to halt the acceptance of new license applications effective November 11, 2025.
Officials have been ordered to prepare consolidated reports of all applications submitted between March 18 and November 11, 2025, which will support planning for the upcoming de-weaponization and illegal arms surrender campaign.
A spokesperson for the Home Department stated that the Punjab government had already provided a final opportunity for citizens, institutions, and security companies to validate and digitize their manual licenses. With that window now closed, the province is gearing up for a comprehensive operation against illegal weapons.
The digitization drive for manual arms licenses began in 2016, with the original deadline set for December 31, 2020. Licenses not updated by then were declared invalid.
Earlier, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari confirmed that shops of unlicensed arms dealers have been sealed, and 28 dealers have had their licenses revoked. She added that no new arms licenses will be issued until further notice.
The Home Department estimates that over one million Punjab residents possess firearms, reiterating its zero-tolerance policy toward unlawful arms possession.
